In many ways, ROD LANGWAY was an oddity in the NHL. First of all, he was born in the unlikely hockey setting of Maag, Formosa. But secondly, LANGWAY was a throwback to a previous era. He was a defenseman who dominated his position through defensive plays -- not offensive exploits. Since Bobby Orr had revolutionized the way defensemen played their position, NORRIS TROPHY recipients had combined defensive prowess with offensive skills. ROD LANGWAY did not. After earning a Stanley Cup ring as a Montreal Canadiens rookie, LANGWAY played four seasons in Montreal. Just before training camp in 1982, the Canadiens sent LANGWAY, Brian Engblom, Doug Jarvis and Craig Laughlin to Washington in exchange for Rick Green and Ryan Walter. After finishing last in six of their initial eight seasons, the Capitals were rejuvenated with their new players, and ROD LANGWAY helped lead Washington to a 94 point season -- 29 more points than they had earned in 1981-82. In fact, LANGWAY and the defense cut the team's goals against from 338 in 1981-82 to 283 in 1982-83. For his leadership and dedication to defense, the 6'3" LANGWAY was chosen for the NHL's First All-Star Team in 1982-83, and he won the coveted NORRIS TROPHY as the league's best defenseman. Philadelphia's Mark Howe was named the trophy's runner-up, his first of three such finishes.